The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1887-10-01

| PiiOiJ, anu lastly tue TtSlueuCt vi d uHc
old English gentleman with taste for
classic architecture and Italian gardens
There was magnificent opening for artis-
tic restoration, the only difficulty being
where to begin. By way of practical
commencement, they have turned an emf
nent London architect (Murgatroyd, r. A,
a recognized authority on medieval art)
loose in the great banquetiug hall-a sort
of apartment suited for coranation or an
agricultural show, hardly for the daily
needs of an English gentleman's household.
"I'm afraid it will take all our lives and
all our money before it can be finished" "
John admitted "In fact, Lynette thinks
we had better stop and begin with the
rooms we really want at once. Lynette is
always so practical and prudent. "
Lola was accustomed to being the recip-
lent of similar remarks from one or the
other of the devoted young couple, so she
merely signi6ed assent, and he set off
again.
iShe looked SO handsome, too, last night,
didn't she? Not woman to compare with
her. Old Lord Bilberry said SO. The
best dancer, and out-and-out the prettiest
woman, heard him-I beg your pardon,
Lola, of course you were there, buty you know
Lynette is younger, and-and-" Johns
sentence trailed off lamely, but Lola was
no whit discounted.
"Lord Bilberry is an old noodle, and as
blind as you are, John. Lady Muriel
Banks and 1 are both better looking than
Lynette, and I was immeasurably the best
dressed of the three 1t would have been
want of proper feeling on your part to
have noticed it, though"
John looked unconvinced. He went on:
II came to ask you great favor. am
obliged to go up to town to-day. A man
has schooner yacht to sell, and perhaps
Lynette may like it better than the Pre-
ciosa. Won't you go to Ormesclife, and
keep her company? wanted her to come
here, but she wouldn't, and l can't bear to
think of her all alone up there"
every well, agreed Mrs. Featherstone;
shut when am 1 to go, and how long am 1
to stay ?"
81 haven't told her, lest she should build
upon it and be disappointed; but mean to
try and get back to dinner. Don't tell her
so, for 1 might not manage it. If not, I'll
come by the early train tomorrow"
Lola's eyes cleaned with lazy amuse-
ment.
'I'll take care to raise no false hopes"
she said "Must you go now Goodbye" Z"
She watched him ride away down the
long beach avenue, made some necessary
arrangements for her day and nights alb
sence from home, wrote line to Mark,
bidding him join her at Ormescliffe, and
was dressing for her drive there, when she
beheld a pair of pretty chestnut ponies
trotting briskly up to the house, driven by
a slight blue figure in rather reckless fash
ion. Two minutes later Lynette tripped in.
"Coming out to me, were you? That's
very kind of you, but John might have
known his wish is law to me, and that of
course | should come here as he suggest
cd it."
"Whatever you both like host" said
Lola, serenely submitting, as usual, to be
the shuttlecock of this impulsive young
couples arrangements.
ell, do JOu alO iCauJ3 OoHC oioh51
and I'll drive you" Lynette decided, and
they started Lynette had certainly i'm
proved with marriage, grown rounder and
softer in outline, placider in manner, and
gentler in speech But to-day there was
ruffied look on her face aud sharp tone
in her voice that made Lola look at her
once or twice during the drive in mild in-
terrogation.
Featherstonehope lay in wooded valley,
sunny and sheltered; 0rmescliffe Castle on
the hill above it, looking seaward. Be-
meath it lay St, Brides Haven, with a tiny
feet of red sailed ashing vessels dancing on
the waters just outside, and Lynette's grace
full rival, the Preciosa, moorcd alongside a
little rocky pier, from which flight of
rough steps climbed up the face of the
cliff to the castle. One horn of the little
bay was formed by low headland, on
which stood St, Brides Church, long ago
disused, but containing the burying-places
of most of the old families around. The
air blew fresh and keen as Lynette's ponies
trotted up the ascent that curved round the
hill, giving constantly changing views Of
the mighty walls and towers above. FL
nally, it led direct to the obnoxious south
front, with its pillared portico and terrace.
Lynette eyed the range Of windows, all Of
a size and. one.third blank, with their
striped blinds, and the geraniums in the
vases that decorated the terrace balustrade
with high disfavor.
sIsn't it hideously eockney2 Think Of
having to live day longer than one can
help in a place ike that! Only fit for
kitchens and servants rooms"
eYou are very comfortably lodged there,
l think" said Lola; "and | believe the
Caringhams made the rooms lock very
handsome; but Of course we never saw the
place in their time"
ssWhat did they do to be sent to Covep=
tFy by every one9' Lynette asked, care
lessly.
"Eyerything, replied Lola, emphaticafly.
"The men were disreputable, but the
women were worse, and Lady Mildred
wanted to cultivate them! Fancy Mark 5
feelingsl I'm glad he never gave in to
her."
Lynette dropped the subject. Her
thoughts were evidently preoceupied, and
disagFeeably SO. Lola good-naturedly did
her languid best to divert her, but in vain.
She suggested walk. Lynette was tired.
That they should pay some calls after
luncheon. Lynette didn't care to 90 with
out John. Finally, heroically subduing
her own feelings, she expressed desire to
soc how the restorations were going on.
Lynette brlghteued for a moment.
"The Banqueting Hall will be done next
week, as far as we mean to 60. The pic
lures are home again, ready to 60 up, and
we have nearly decided on the ire-shovel.
The designs for the poker and tongs came
yesterday. So much depends on detail, .
Lynette sighed, "and Johns idea was to
get the fireplace complete first, as it is a
feature and necessary. Chairs and tables
can wait-besides, I'm tired of it all"
Lola raised her eyebrows slightly.
sim longing to get to our own part,
where we are to live, Nearly everything
is settled, and John and l were to have
II